Established in 1870 by a group of Mormon settlers, the town once thrived with sandstone homes, farmland, and a small but vibrant community. However, despite its promising start, the unpredictable spring floods of the Paria River proved too challenging for sustained agriculture. Tucked away along the banks of the Paria River in central Kane County, Utah, the Paria Townsite is a hauntingly beautiful ghost town that echoes the spirit of the Old West.
Attempts to revive the area continued into the early 1900s, including a short-lived gold mining operation in 1911–1912. But nature once again dictated the fate of Paria, and by 1929 the town was completely abandoned. Today, all that remains are crumbling foundations, scattered relics, and a cinematic landscape that has drawn filmmakers and history buffs alike.
Scenic and Historical Appeal
The townsite is surrounded by stunning badlands layered in vivid reds, oranges, and purples—some of the most photogenic geology in the region. It has served as a filming location for several Westerns throughout the mid-1900s, including The Outlaw Josey Wales, helping to cement its image as a backdrop for stories of grit, survival, and adventure.
How to Get There
Access: Paria Townsite is accessed via a dirt road off of Highway 89, roughly midway between Kanab and Page. The road is generally passable for most vehicles when dry but can become impassable in wet conditions due to clay-rich soil. High-clearance or 4WD is recommended if rain is in the forecast.
Navigation Tip: There is limited signage, so using GPS coordinates is highly advised:
📍 37.2249, -111.9676
Camping and Nearby Stays
Dispersed Camping: Free, primitive camping is allowed on BLM land surrounding the area. There are multiple pull-offs along the dirt road offering scenic spots with privacy and direct access to the badlands.
White House Campground: Located about 20 minutes to the east, this developed BLM site includes vault toilets and is a good basecamp for further exploration.
Stateline Campground: Just south along House Rock Valley Road, this quiet and basic site also offers free, first-come-first-served camping and vault toilets.
Photography & Best Time to Visit
Best Light: Sunrise and sunset bring out the dramatic colors of the surrounding hills and cliffs, making this a photographer's paradise.
Drone Use: Drones are permitted outside of wilderness zones—this area is great for capturing cinematic overhead shots of the ghost town and multicolored badlands.
Cultural Respect: While exploring, please respect the land and its historic significance by staying on established paths and packing out all waste.
Dog-Friendly
Dogs are welcome but must be kept leashed and under control. The terrain can be rough and rocky, and there is little shade, so plan accordingly if visiting during warmer months.
Let me know if you'd like a combined map of this and the surrounding sites or links to nearby hikes like Buckskin Gulch or the Toadstool Hoodoos.
